Nelson Elementary Cheer Squad Attends Its First Competitive Event

April 15, 2010

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By Tamas Mondovics

This year’s spring break has proved to be much more than just an ordinary time off from the daily grind of classes and homework assignments for a number of young athletes this season, among them a special group of Nelson Elementary School students. The 14-member Nelson Eagles cheer squad- the school’s first competitive cheerleading team- has a chance not only to show everyone what it is made of and to give its best performance to a crowd of fans and family, but to perform for those who could not attend the American Cheer Power Tournament of Champions or who prefer to watch these competitions in the comfort of their home, being that the event is to be televised on the Sun Sports channel on Tuesday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. Before that, the event is scheduled to be held live on Saturday, April 17, at the University of South Florida Sun Dome. “We are very excited to be a part of this competition,” said Nelson Elementary School third grade teacher and cheer coach Traci Kieffer. “The girls on the squad range from third to fifth grade and have been working all year long toward the goal of being a talented and respected competitive team.” The girls’ hard work also shows that they believe that it takes incredible dedication and responsibility to be successful out on the competition floor. “We have put in many hours after school on Mondays and Thursdays,” Kieffer said. As for the competition that lands at the end of spring break, Kieffer said, “While others are at the beach, the squad will continue to learn choreography and practicing for our routine.” Thanks to such dedication, it is not hard for Kieffer to speak highly of her cheerleaders’ commitment to improve, as, over the school year, she has watched the girls grow into a strong competitive squad. “They have started the season with little-to-no cheerleading experience, and I am sure that they will be nervous during the competition,” she said. “But I am positive that Nelson cheer will rise to the occasion and show Tampa Bay what a small team from Dover can do.”For more information about the upcoming American Cheer Power Tournament of Champions, please visit www.cheerpower.com.